‘Will & Grace,’ ‘Blue’ keep race tight between ABC, NBC

Fierce battle joined for the May sweeps demo crown

“Will & Grace” and “NYPD Blue” wrapped their seasons as ratings winners Tuesday, but their respective nets continue to be locked in a fierce battle for the May sweeps demo crown.

NBC’s one-hour “Will” was the top-rated show of the night in adults 18-49 (8.5/21), helping the Peacock keep things close on the night with ABC. It was “Will’s” best Tuesday score since its season premiere last September.

The Alphabet won for the 20th time in the last 21 Tuesdays in the demo, although topping NBC by a mere 2 shares — the Peacock’s most competitive finish since December.

ABC’s “NYPD Blue” concluded its season with a two-hour episode that placed second to “Will” in adults 18-49 from 9-10 (6.4 vs. 8.5) but topped NBC’s “Dateline” by 4 shares in its final hour. “Blue’s” demo rating in the 10 p.m. hour (6.9/19) was its best since Feb. 22.

According to Nielsen, Tuesday’s results have enabled ABC to close within one-tenth of a ratings point of NBC with only Wednesday’s results to be counted (5.5 vs. 5.4).